Nutrition For ChildrenWith Diarrhea

Why is diarrhea a concernfor parents?

• Dehydration, poor nutrition, and poor health– 200,000 hospitalizations per year in U.S.– 300 deaths per year in U.S.

How can I tell if my childhas diarrhea?

• Change in the normal frequency and looseness of the stools (poop)– ↑ frequency– ↑ looseness– Color change– Bad odor– Mucus– Blood

What are some causes ofdiarrhea in children?

• Germs• Food allergy or food intolerance• Medications• Too much juice, fruit, or sugar• Too much fluid• Very low-fat diets

How long does diarrhea last?

• Acute diarrhea– 1 to several days

• Chronic diarrhea– More than 2 weeks

• Both can be dangerous if fluid loss is large

• We will talk about acute diarrhea

Children with diarrhea should drink an oral rehydration solution

like Pedialyte

Replaces lost water and minerals like sodium and potassium

What should I do if my childhas acute diarrhea?

1. Immediately give your child Pedialyte2. Watch for signs of dehydration3. Contact your doctor if your child is

dehydrated4. Talk to your doctor if you have any

other question or concern5. If your child is not dehydrated,

continue to give your child Pedialyte, other fluids, and food

1. Immediately give your child Pedialyte to drink

• Always have a supply of Pedialyte in the home

• When diarrhea begins– Offer Pedialyte immediately– For children < 22 pounds

• ¼ cup to ½ cup (2-4 ounces) per diarrhea stool– For children > 22 pounds

• ½ cup to 1 cup (4-8 ounces) per diarrhea stool

How can we offer Pedialyteto our children?

• Offer Pedialyte by– Bottle– Cup– Teaspoon– Syringe– Medicine dropper– Freezer pops

• Smaller amounts at first usually work best

• Larger amounts may increase vomiting

2. Watch for signs of dehydration• Contact your doctor if your child

shows any signs of dehydration.• What are some signs of dehydration?

Signs of dehydration• Increased thirst• ↓ urine• Weight loss• Dry mouth and tongue• ↓ tears or no tears when crying• Sunken eyes• Sunken soft spot on infant’s head• Tired, restless, or irritable• Rapid and deep breathing• Pinched skin stays folded

3. Contact your doctor if your child is dehydrated.

4. Talk to your doctor if you have any other question or

concern.• Young infant• Blood in stool (poop)• Persistent vomiting• Fever

5. If your child is not dehydrated, continue to give him/her Pedialyte, other fluids, and food.• Give Pedialyte• Offer usual fluids and foods

– Breast milk, formula, water, milk– Usual foods

• Avoid sugary fluids and foods– Soda pop, Kool-Aid, juice, Jello-water, or

Gatorade– Pre-sweetened cereals, popsicles, or

other sugary foods

What is the BRAT diet?• Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast

– All four foods are okay– Too restrictive

Summary• What do you do if your child has diarrhea?

1. Immediately give your child Pedialyte2. Watch for signs of dehydration3. Contact your doctor if your child is dehydrated4. Talk to your doctor if you have any other

question or concern5. If your child is not dehydrated, continue to

give your child Pedialyte, other fluids, and food